“Cousin?
“Isn’t that Jian Yi?”
Shen Ju couldn’t help but light up, immediately scooting over to Qin Soxi’s side. He asked eagerly, “Did Bro say he wants to transfer here?”
Qin Soxi hesitated for a moment. It was Xu Ru who had called her.
But since Xu Ru had already brought it up, Jian Yi should know, right?
He probably does.
No way would a mom hide this from her kid.
And from what Xu Ru said, if possible, she hoped to handle Jian Yi’s transfer tomorrow.
That would definitely require her personal involvement.
After all, Jian Yi always topped the exams at Yude School—they might not want to let him go easily.
No wonder Xu Ru had come to her.
Qin Soxi didn’t see any issue with it. Though they’d only met a few times, she quite admired and felt affection for the kid.
A mom wanting her child in a better school with better resources? Totally understandable. She could help, so she would. And seeing Shen Ju’s reaction, he clearly wanted Jian Yi to stay at the same school too. They’d been together for over a decade—not blood, but closer than family. Another companion for Shen Ju by his side? Qin Soxi was all for it.
These thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant. Qin Soxi nodded. “Of course. Mom plans to head to Yude School tomorrow to handle the transfer paperwork for your cousin. He’ll be joining you at Qichen soon.”
Awesome!
Shen Ju cheered inwardly.
He couldn’t resist scooting even closer to Qin Soxi. “Can I skip school tomorrow and go with you, Mom?”
That “Mom” came out all soft and sweet, like a kitten meowing.
Qin Soxi wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but Shen Ju seemed more outgoing lately.
Like this is his true color, buried deep—the vigor and joy a teen should have.
How could she refuse? Especially since Shen Ju mentioned Jian Yi might have trouble carrying things—he could help out. So she nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile.
Jian Yi bought a cheap secondhand phone. After confirming the camera worked fine, he headed home with the power bank he’d grabbed on the way.
Xu Ru said nothing when he returned.
Jian Yi acted like nothing had happened. After dinner, he went back to his room. Once it was past midnight, he slipped out quietly again.
The power bank’s battery wouldn’t last forever—he had to time it right.
Under cover of night, Jian Yi returned to the spot where he’d been cornered that morning.
This shortcut to Yude School saw little foot traffic for two reasons: most students got picked up or dropped off, and it was filthy—littered with trash that only got cleared every few days. In hot weather, the stench was unbearable, so hardly anyone bothered.
The alley’s garbage hadn’t been collected yet, piled around the bins. Who knew if the bins were full?
Most folks wouldn’t even bother lifting the lid.
The filth worked in Jian Yi’s favor.
He plugged the phone into the power bank, picked the perfect angle, and propped it on the trash bin. No need for elaborate camouflage—a few quick adjustments hid it perfectly.
He calculated the timing, then snuck back home.
He hadn’t slept all night, but he felt sharper than ever.
Before long, it was time for school.
Jian Yi left as usual.
He didn’t notice Xu Ru’s hesitant look, words dying on her lips.
Xu Ru had told Qin Soxi not to fetch Jian Yi yet—she wanted him to study as much as possible before the transfer. They could have him pack once everything was sorted.
So Qin Soxi went straight to the principal’s office at Yude School.
Shen Ju tagged along.
He said he wanted to hit the classroom first—Jian Yi usually arrived super early. He could help him pack.
But when he got there, Shen Ju found Jian Yi wasn’t there.
Where is he?
Shen Ju circled the room and checked the time. Weird. He should be here by now.
“He was late yesterday too,” someone said hesitantly, stepping up to Shen Ju.
It hadn’t been long since Shen Ju transferred from Yude to Qichen. Seeing him back in the classroom sparked fresh curiosity among the classmates.
The early bird added, “And I saw injuries on Jian Yi’s face.”
“What?!”
Shen Ju grew anxious. “Injuries on his face? What happened?!”
Why didn’t Bro tell me yesterday?!
The classmate looked awkward.
No one had asked Jian Yi yesterday—and he never chatted anyway. Curiosity lingered, but no one had dared probe. They had no clue what went down.
Shen Ju got no answers. He thought it over, dread creeping in. His face darkened.
Another loop around the room—no Ma Rui either…
No time to think. Shen Ju fired off a message to Qin Soxi and bolted from campus.
He knew the one route Jian Yi took to school.
Right then, Jian Yi was cornered again in the alley by Ma Rui and his crew.
Same scene, same spot.
Ma Rui figured yesterday’s lesson had tamed Jian Yi—especially after he’d promised so nicely. But today, when he showed, Jian Yi flipped again.
Like he’d forgotten his promises. Or chickened out. Ma Rui had to threaten hard before Jian Yi reluctantly pulled out his phone. Even at the transfer screen, he dragged his feet. But when Ma Rui’s gang saw the balance—over 5,000 yuan—their eyes bulged.
“Hurry up! Transfer the money!”
“All of it—now!”
“Fuck, gotta beat this cripple senseless before you cooperate, huh?!”
Jian Yi clutched the phone with one hand, putting up a dying struggle.
“After I pay this time, you won’t come asking for more, right?”
Ma Rui scoffed. “Hell yeah we will. You still got cash—I’m threatening you, so what? Don’t wanna get beat? Transfer it now!”
As Jian Yi lowered his gaze, his eyes flicked sideways.
Extortion over 3,000 yuan was enough for charges—worse against a disabled person.
No cameras in this alley, but he could make one.
From yesterday’s ambush, Jian Yi had no intention of letting Ma Rui off.
Especially threatening me with Shen Ju.
A ruthless glint flashed in Jian Yi’s eyes.
Guys like Ma Rui needed to be broken completely—scared shitless—before they’d back off for good.
He needed to up the ante.
With that in mind, Jian Yi figured he’d provoke Ma Rui more.
But the next second—
A voice burst in.
“Bro!!”
